Maiden and the Monster

Vladamir of Kessen, Duke of Lakeshire Castle, is feared as a demon in the land of Wessex. The Kings have granted him a title of nobility in exchange for his part as a political prisoner. Discontent, he bides his time in his new home until war will once again rip through the land. But boredom soon turns to devious pleasure as the daughter of his most hated enemy is left for dead at his castle gate. Now the monster bides his time plotting revenge.

Emerald Knight

Whetshire Fortress, Wessex, A.D. 1171: Since birth Lady Ginevra has been betrothed to Lord Wolfram, second son to the Count of Whetshire. There was never any question as to whom she would marry or who she would be. Life has been mapped out for her and she's going to live happily ever after as a Countess. However, there is one complication to her plans. Her rogue of a future husband isn't taking to their life together with open arms. In fact, he seems to enjoy finding reasons to put the nuptials off.

Barbarian Prince: Dragon Lords, Book 1 (Anniversary Edition)

Going undercover at a mass wedding as a bartered bride, Morrigan Blake has every intention of getting off the barbaric planet just as soon as it's over. Or, more correctly, just as soon as she captures footage of the mysterious princes rumored to be in attendance. After a euphoric night, Morrigan discovers her spaceship left without her, and Ualan of Draig is claiming she's his wife. It's not exactly the story this reporter had in mind.

Love Potions: Warlocks MacGregor Book 1

Erik MacGregor is from a clan of ancient Scottish warlocks. He isn't looking for love. After centuries, it's not even a consideration...until he moves in next door to Lydia Barratt. It's clear that the shy beauty wants nothing to do with him, but he's drawn to her and determined to win her over.

King of the Unblessed: Realm Immortal, Book 1

Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good - happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick's, and on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Where Have All the Boys Gone?

While Katie's glad it's not a man's world anymore, she'd be quite pleased if there were more men in it - or at least single ones, anyway. More likely to get murdered than married, according to gleeful media reports, Katie resigns herself to the fact there's no sex in the city and heads for the hills - or the Scottish Highlands, to be precise. Despite the fact she's never been a girl for wellies and Fairlish is in the middle of nowhere, the tiny town does have one major draw: men. Lots of them.

The Tycoon's Revenge: Baby for the Billionaire

Jasmine Freeman's world is about to tumble down around her, and the one responsible for it is none other than her first love, Derek Titan. She hasn't seen him in 10 years, and they are both going to learn the truth of what happened back then. Jasmine grew up wealthy and oblivious to the destruction her father caused all around him. Derek was from the wrong side of the tracks. In 10 years, their lives will be reversed.

Hunter's Claim: The Alliance, Book 1

Jesse Sampson and her two younger sisters have lived a hard life on the streets of Seattle, Washington, for the past several years. Four years before, the Earth received its first visitors from space, causing mass fear. Alone in a world gone mad with just her sisters, Jesse has learned to use the darkness and the remains of the city to survive and keep what was left of her family alive. She has seen the savage side of human nature and finds they are not much different from the aliens who conquered the Earth.

Choosing Riley: Sarafin Warriors, Book 1

Riley St. Claire has always followed her own rules. When she discovers her current employer is not as law-abiding as she thought, she has to leave town in a hurry...or end up buried with the dead guy she discovered. She doesn't expect to be picked up by a passing trader from another world. As the ruling king of Sarafin, Vox d'Rojah is expected to produce a son who will be joined in marriage with the first-born daughter of the king of Valdier.

Not You It's Me

Gemma Summers is unlucky in love. She's known it since third grade, when her first crush blew a spitball into her hair, and a decade-long string of bad dates, boring sex, and abysmal morning afters has done nothing to improve her prospects. But when a random radio call-in contest lands her courtside tickets to the hottest playoff game of the season, Gemma's luck may finally be on the upswing, even if it doesn't exactly seem like it when the dreaded Jumbotron kiss cam lands on her and her date.

The Mighty Hunter: Lords of the Abyss, Book 1

Caderyn is the sexiest - and perhaps craziest - man Bridget has ever laid eyes on. He may have rescued her from death, but who's going to rescue her from him? With all the right moves, the man is a walking seduction that's too hard to resist. Sparks fly. Desires heat. But there's one small problem. He claims they're trapped in the lost city of Atlantes, living on a cursed island deep within the ocean.

Love, Lust and a Millionaire: Wyatt Brothers, Book 1

My name is Delilah Graham, and music is my life. I moved from Chicago to live in the one place that I considered to be the center of the universe: New York City. At 23 years old, after raising my two brothers and sister, it was time for me to start my own life. I worked as a waitress in a greasy diner by day, and by night I performed my music in small clubs around the city and on the streets of New York. That was until a man and his daughter stepped into the diner and changed my life forever.

Shooter: Burnout Series #1

Chris "Shooter" Sullivan has returned to his hometown of Rapid City, South Dakota, to pick up the pieces of his life shattered by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He wants only to focus on holding what's left of his old unit together, running his garage where he builds custom bikes and cars, and pretending that his murdered father's motorcycle gang doesn't exist.

The Dom Who Loved Me: Masters and Mercenaries, Book 1

A routine mission Sean Taggart is hunting a deadly terrorist, and his only lead is the lovely Grace Hawthorne. She's the executive assistant for an employment agency Sean suspects is a front for illegal activities. To get the truth, he is going to have to get very close to Grace, a task he is all too eager to undertake when he discovers her deliciously submissive nature. turns into a dangerous seduction. Soon, Grace Hawthorne is living a double life. By day, she is the widowed mother of two college-aged sons.

Forever Betrothed, Never the Bride: Scandalous Seasons, Book 1

Lady Emmaline Fitzhugh, a hopeless romantic, is tired of sitting with the wallflowers, waiting for her betrothed to come to his senses and marry her. When Emmaline reads one too many reports of his scandalous liaisons in the gossip rags, she takes matters into her own hands.

The Promise in a Kiss: A Cynster Novel

In a quiet moonlit courtyard, Helena encounters a handsome and mysterious Englishman. Before parting, he rewards her with a special kiss - a delicious, enticing, unforgettable kiss that makes her whole body shiver with desire. Helena doesn't yet know that she has met her destiny - and he is Sebastian Cynster, Duke of St. Ives.

The Savage King: A Dragon Lords Story: Lords of the Var, Book 1

Agent Ulyssa Payne is on a mission. It's her job to make sure the Medical Mafia leader doesn't leave the planet of Qurilixen. But, when her target is killed by his own daughter, her mission is over. Now, she's stuck on a barbarian planet for three months until the Agency comes to get her. Getting kidnapped by King Attor, she's left in the Var harem to await his return. But, when the King dies in battle and doesn't come for her, she's stuck dealing with his son, the new savage King of the Var.

Abducting Abby: The Dragon Lords of Valdier, Book 1

Abby Tanner is content to live on her mountain while she creates beautiful works of art and enjoys the peace and quiet. All that changes when a strange golden spaceship crash lands on it. Now Abby has to deal with a golden ship, a tortured alien, and an insane local sheriff.

A Laird for All Time: A Laird for All Time, Book 1

After 10 long years of education and residency, Dr. Emmy MacKenzie decides it's time for a much-deserved vacation. But when she's traveling the British Isles, a twist of fate at the gates of the ancient castle of Duart hurls Emmy more than a hundred years into the past and into the arms of a magnificent Highlander who thinks she is his long-lost wife, Heather MacLean.

Under Locke

After moving to Austin following six months of unemployment back home, Iris Taylor knows she should be glad to have landed a job so quickly... even if the business is owned by a member of the same motorcycle club her estranged father used to belong to. Except Dex Locke might just be the biggest jerk she's ever met. He's rude and impatient, and he doesn't know how to tell time. And the last thing they ever expected was each other.

Kade's Dark Embrace: Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1

After a series of girls are ritualistically murdered on the cold streets of Philadelphia, seasoned detective, Sydney Willows, is forced to work with sexy, alpha vampire, Kade Issacson. While working the case, Sydney finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kade, fighting the passion she feels towards him. Kade, determined to solve the case and mete out justice, is captivated by the independent, fiery detective.

Knight in Highland Armor: Highland Dynasty, Book 1

Grieving from the death of his wife, Lord Colin Campbell listens to the cries of his newborn son while penning a missive to the king. With no marriage prospects, Colin petitions his majesty for help in finding a stepmother. Never again will he fall in love; the death of a woman brings more pain than losing a whole contingent of men on the battlefield.

Baron of Godsmere: The Feud 1

England, 1333. The chink in Baron Boursier's armor is his fondness for a lovely face. When it costs him half his sight and brands him as one who abuses women, he vows to never again be "blinded" by beauty. Thus, given the choice between forfeiting his lands and wedding one of his enemies to end their feud, he chooses as his betrothed the lady said to be plain of face, rejecting the lady rumored to be most fair.

The Billionaire Falls: Billionaire Bachelors, Book 3

Joseph Anderson has been successful in finding brides for his two eldest sons. In this book he finds the perfect match for his youngest son, Mark. Mark has a billion dollar ranch operation that takes many employees to run successfully. He loses his cook and leaves it to his father to find a new one. Little does Mark know that Joseph is far more interested in her marriage potential than her cooking skills. Luckily, he finds a woman who can not only cook, but will make the perfect bride for his son.

Publisher's Summary

"She found herself unimpressed with him, having expected more of the legendary man - Brant. Lord Blackwell. Brant the Gladiator. Brant the Vigorous. Brant the Flame. Brant the Viking Hero. Della snorted in unladylike disgust. More like, Brant the Thorn in my Arse!"

Lady Della the Cold-Hearted

Lady Della despises all things Viking. They may rule the land, but they will never rule her. Unfortunately, her father doesn't seem to agree. To prove his continued allegiance to the Viking king, the Ealdorman of Strathfeld betroths his only daughter to a respected Viking Lord - a warrior whose legendary prowess isn't reserved for the battlefield. Fighting the newfound craving in her body and the unwelcome fire in her heart, Della must choose between everything she knows to be true and the one thing she never expected...

Lord Brant of Blackwell, the Fiery One

Lord Blackwell is as fiery on the battlefield as he is in his passions. He has fought valiantly for King Guthrum and has earned the respect of the nobles. When his overlord offers the hand of his beautiful daughter and the right to inherit his lands, Blackwell can hardly refuse. However, he soon discovers that his noble bride is anything but the meek and mild woman he envisioned for his wife. One minute she's kissing him back, the next she's swearing to do whatever it takes to dissuaded him from their marriage. Can his lust for life and his new bride melt the ice that surrounds her heart? Or will Lady Della the Cold be this warrior's undoing?

I’m a huge fan of those retro bodice-ripper stories: you know- the ones with Fabio on the cover and you can SO not judge me for that. They are escapist, they pull at your emotions and deliver some moments with characters where you wish to be able to reach out and shake them because they are being so contrary. I’m also in a huge Historic Romance kick of late, there is something so unique to the world and the conventions that give authors a way to ‘work around’ those, and further develop some depth in their characters to make up for an often rigid society. Well, Michelle M. Pillow has managed to blend all of the elements and return a story that pleases my need for an emotionally charged escapist read in a world built with lush historical details and a bit of angst as the characters fight traditional conventions.Brant is a strong leader, competent and capable and well respected by his men. Fiery is his nature, passionate and determined, this is all signified with a shock of red hair that graces his locks. He is truly the Lord of Fire, and it only remains to be seen if he can melt the icy reserve of his wife and lady.Della is cold, yet that is a shell to protect her heart and express her discomfort with her situation. While she appears to use her lack of emotion and reactions to embarrass Brant in the company of others, her utter dismissal of him during their private moments are akin to throwing ice on a burn.Yet, the two need to learn to trust one another, and find the keys to share the passion that is buried within. And there is where I had a few moments of repetition in the story: there was often a rehashing of their issues, as if neither wanted to learn from the first time around. Those were moments that made me want to shake them. A few overused words that came up often, and a bit too much dithering in interior monologues about their undying concerns, passions or love: when it was abundantly clear to the reader that they were electric and attached to one another, they seemed to take a bit of time to get to that realization themselves. I did adore the fact that this was a veryearly historic romance, based in the middle of the Anglo-Saxon era of Vikings and Wars and Alfred the Great, king of the West Saxons.Narration in this story is provided by Mason Lloyd, and his voice is unusual for most romances, yet a perfect adjunct to the story. Effortlessly modulating pitch, tone and even accent, his narration never distracts and often enhances the more emotional moments, adding in scorn, disbelief, anger and frustration with apparent ease. Even the softer moments are clearly defined with his voicing, and the rare moments of happiness and laughter are spoken as if he were smiling from within.This isn’t a smooth run to the end, but the story rarely finds the reader without some sort of emotion from frustration to anger to worry to ultimate cheers as the two finally sort out their communication and manage to come together for a happy ending.

I received an audiobook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Yvette

GILBERT, AZ, United States

22/01/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"A MEDIEVAL CLASH OF THE TITANS!!!"

I was in the mood for something angsty, and since the Viking series on the History Channel, I've also been interested in reading/listening to something from that era. So, this book delivered on both fronts in this chemical romance through the melting together of Viking Hero, Brant (Lord Blackwell), the Flame, and his "lady-wife" Lady Della, the Cold-hearted.

As previous reviewers have indicated, you will feel a myriad of emotions on this medieval journey of love. It is an emotional, roller-coaster especially for the values of a 21st century listener! Yet, through the many tumultuous emotions that encompassed the experience of this book, overall, I was rooting for a fabulous HEA for both Brant and Della.

This book is about a very conflicted relationship between a couple from different cultures who go through many misunderstandings because they don't share all of their feelings, they speak too harshly and can't take things back due to pride. Della, herself has one of the most sharp-tongues I've witnessed from a heroine. She says awful things to Brant that come very close to fruition. And, even though, most of the time, Brant was the more patient of the pair, he was ruthless in his treatment of his wife (even though he felt remorseful). In this era, it was what was expected. In fact, with all of the brut power and force of the law on the husband's side, it's amazing how much influence and control Della actually held in her manor and with her husband. She is a very strong heroine, despite her shrewish flaws. But, there's always a reason behind the way people act, and Della definitely has a reason for her prejudice and hatred of Vikings. Brant understood this and seemed to really exert effort in making his marriage work.

Despite the tumult, I kept listening because I couldn't stop. Also, the steamy romances between the two was really good. I just wish there was more coverage of the blissful and light moments between the lovers because when they loved it was amazing…..they loved almost as passionately as they fought. Unfortunately, the end felt very rushed and it did not fully make up for the dramatic, violence that preceded it. For this reason there should have been an epilogue. On the positive side, thankfully, there is a resolution to their issues. This story may have a lot of emotionally, crushing moments, but it is very well written. Let me tell you Michelle Pillow really knows how to tell a story, no matter how steamy or chilling.

Lastly, I thought the narrator was excellent. Mason Loyd did a great job in narrating both the masculine, Viking voices as well as the ladies.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Carrie

Portsmouth, VA, United States

15/01/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Brilliant story full of fascinating characters."

Would you listen to Lord of Fire, Lady of Ice again? Why?

Yes. Mason Lloyd's voice was very clear and resonated well with the characters. Plus the story was very entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

How the characters interacted with each other. It was both realistic (in the sense that they never knew what the other was thinking) and dramatic. I went through a wide range of emotions right along with them.

Which character – as performed by Mason Lloyd – was your favorite?

The Lady of Ice. He really captured her refined but sassy attitude perfectly with his vocal inflections.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

From the beginning to the end I was moved. The ease of slipping into the characters point of view was so smooth I didn't realize I had done it until I stopped listening. The range of emotions I experienced changed as fluidly as the characters emotions did. Sometimes I went from happy, to infuriated, to mildly smug, to utter surprise all within one brief moment. I laughed, teared up, and even found myself blushing. I am not naive but the Lady of Ice was.

Any additional comments?

Michelle M. Pillow wrote a wonderful book and Mason Lloyd did a marvelous job narrating it. When it was over I was sad that I wouldn't get to hear any more.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Cyn

01/05/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"A wonderful Historical Medieval romace"

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this story I thought it had a great plot with wonderful characters. As the story unfolds we find Lady Della has a horrible past which makes her dislike all Viking. She has her own plans of marriage but her father feels he is wiser than she. He picked the man he wanted her to marry and would not take no for answer. It seems the father has been hiding a secret and must have her wed at once. When she is told she isn’t very happy about it as she turns the tables on her soon to be husband. It does seem Lord Blackwell has met his match as Lady Della gives him a run for his money. Lord Blackwell will not be out done as he turns the tables back on her. I found this to be a highly entertaining read at times very funny. Other times I had my mouth in an O as the things they said or did to each other. Nothing good can come out of baiting each other and it normal backfires.

Mason Lloyd did an outstanding job with narration his male voices were as wonderful as his female ones. There are not any background noises or any high low levels, his voice is strong and smooth with no breaks in the audio that I could tell. You always know who is talking and just what emotion they are feeling. He gives a wonderful power listen with his strong male tones and his very smooth female ones. He has a voice you could listen to all day that really brings the story to life. He really puts his self into the characters when they are angry you know it. Lady Della is up one minute down the next so unsure of herself at times and others she is very much in power. Mr. Lloyd has not trouble playing her character as he shows you how emotional and unforgiving she can be. His Lord Blackwell is very touching as he gives compassion to his voice giving Lady Della time to adjust and find a common ground. This is the first time I have listen to this narrator and really look forward to listening to more from him.

I really liked these characters I understood where both Della and Brant were coming from and how they kept misunderstanding each other. There are many hurt feelings, must anger, misunderstandings, a whole lot of passion. Because of her past she has much to be afraid of in and out of the marriage bed and who can blame her. She doesn’t take to her upcoming marriage easy and make things very tough for those around her. When she finally gives in and marries she sticks to her word this is going to be a rocky marriage she won’t be taken in by his charm. I thought I would die laughing when she called Brant the Thorn in my Arse. I totally enjoyed this wonderful strong women who gives as good as she gets and doesn’t back down as she stands her ground.

Brant has got to be the most patient man alive as he gives her the time she needs. Oh he isn’t giving in all the way as she finds out when he puts her to shame at his request. It is driving him crazy as he sees the passion in her only have her turn cold. It doesn’t help when his friend bait him giving him a hard time. He will have her one way or the other. Just as she seems to becoming around her cousin shows up putting everything in a tail spin. Brant decides to turn the tables on her again only to fall into his own trap. I really liked this man who can be caring, protective, loving, giving but isn’t going to take too much as he stands proud only bending a little to get his way.

I totally love the baiting between these two and found them to be very humorous at times. When they tried to outdo each other on the name calling I just about laughed myself silly. The author gives you a very well written story along with the narrator giving you a very entertaining listen. For me I thought this was an outstanding book all the way around. I loved the plot, the characters along with the supporting characters who will keep you chuckling. You will find many twists and turns you will not see coming even a few that will shock you all the way to your soul. This is the first time I have picked up anything by this author but it will not be the last. I give this a big fat 5 stars all the way.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Crazy Aussie

gosford, Australia

27/12/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"The woman has no spine."

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The only reason I kept listening because the man telling the story was so good.I love Michelle M. Pillow, but this book really pi**ed me off. The hero was a major A hole to the lady. I know the lady was a bitch to him sometimes, but what she went through and what he allowed done to her had me really hating the story at one stage I felt sick. I know this is a historical story and I'm sure this is how woman were treated back then, but I wish I'd had a warning as I wouldn't have bought it.

2 of 5 people found this review helpful

The Naughty Bibliophile

07/01/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Pleasant enough"

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The idea for the story itself is really good and is a pleasant read, it just didn't keep me completely enthralled with the story line.This is one of those books that is good, but a little too predictable.